The Mini-Circuits MSP2TA-18-12 is an absorptive SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) electro-mechanical switch engineered for high-frequency signal routing from DC to 18 GHz. This break-before-make switch delivers 0.3 dB typical insertion loss at 18 GHz and 70 dB typical isolation, making it ideal for applications demanding minimal signal degradation and maximum port-to-port rejection. Rated for 20 W (43 dBm) power handling with 1.40:1 VSWR, the switch operates from a +12VDC supply at 350–430 mA and achieves 20 millisecond switching speed. Built for extreme durability, it sustains 10 million switching cycles under standard conditions and exceeds 100 million cycles with factory reconditioning. SMA female connectors and 15-pin D-Sub control interface support panel and base mounting configurations. Operating range spans −15°C to +45°C. RoHS and REACH compliant across space, military, and commercial grades.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: DC to 18 GHz
• Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Insertion Loss: 0.3 dB typical at 18 GHz (0.1–0.5 dB range); 0.25 dB typical across band
• Isolation: 70 dB typical at 18 GHz (60–100 dB range); 80 dB typical across band
• Return Loss / VSWR: 1.40:1
• Power Handling: 20 W (43 dBm)
• Switching Speed: 20 milliseconds
• Supply Voltage: +12VDC
• Supply Current: 350–430 mA
• Control Logic: +12V energized port, COM negative
• Connectors: SMA female (RF); 15-pin D-Sub (control)
• Operating Temperature: −15°C to +45°C
• Storage Temperature: −15°C to +85°C
• Weight: 0.07 kg
– Key Features
• Absorptive Design: Minimizes reflected power to maintain system stability and measurement accuracy.
• Extended Switching Life: 10 million cycles standard; >100 million cycles with factory cleaning.
• High Isolation: 70 dB typical rejection between ports ensures signal integrity in multiplexing and redundancy applications.
• Break-Before-Make: Prevents signal overlap and transient shorts during switching transitions.
• Low Insertion Loss: 0.3 dB typical at 18 GHz preserves signal fidelity across the full frequency band.
• Reliable Sleep-Mode Operation: Maintains consistent performance after extended dwell periods in fixed states.
• High Repeatability: Switching performance remains consistent across millions of cycles.
– Typical Applications
• Automated test equipment (ATE) switching matrices
• Redundancy and failover switching in telecom and aerospace systems
• Signal routing in defense and military RF systems
• High-frequency measurement and characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
Panel mount (MSP2TA-18-12PM+) and base mount (MSP2TA-18-12BM+) variants support flexible integration into benchtop and chassis-mount configurations. SMA connectors interface with standard 50 Ohm RF systems. 15-pin D-Sub control connector accepts +12VDC logic signals for automated switching control.
